What the Bible says and means about homosexuality

A very brief glance at minor passages
that appear to discuss homosexuality

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Minor passages:

There are about 20 bible passages that have been interpreted as involving homosexual behavior. Of these, seven are mentioned most often and are commonly referred to as "clobber" passages.

The remainder, are listed below. They are minor, less often quoted, passages that may or may not refer to homosexual behavior. Theologians have interpreted them both ways.

The descriptions are necessarily over-simplified. They do not cover the full range of conservative/progressive beliefs. However, you may well find the beliefs that you have been taught in one of these columns:

Notes:

1. Back in the very early years of the 21st century, many religiously and socially conservative individuals and groups strongly believed that same-sex marriage was unacceptable because the purpose of marriage is procreation and only opposite-sex couples can have children. This was shown to be false when many lesbians started families via artificial insemination in what has been referred to as the lesbian baby boom. Now, these same conservative groups are opposed to same-sex marriage because of the children that these marriages produce; many conservatives feel that the children will be hurt by the lack of a mother or father as a role model.
   
   Now, everyone appears to realize that both opposite-sex couples and same-sex couples can have children:

   	Opposite-sex couples via intercourse, or artificial insemination if they are infertile.
   	Same-sex couples via artificial insemination.

Summary of the minor passages:

To many -- not all -- conservative members of religions that revere the Bible -- the Baha'i faith, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism -- these passages: Specify God's will that men marry, but only to one woman. Condemn homosexual behavior. State that salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and trust Jesus as Lord and Savior. Homosexuals no longer engage in same-sex behavior after they are truly saved.

To many -- not all -- liberal/progressive believers, the Bible is silent on loving, consensual same-sex sexual behavior. These particular passages: Specify opposite-sex marriage as the most common type of loving, committed relationship, but not the only type. Condemn ritual sex in Pagan temples, whether by males or females. Specify that God condemns rape, whether it victimizes men or women. Say that eternal life is open to all.

Copyright © 2009 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Original posting: 2009-FEB-14, Valentine's day
Latest update: 2009-JUL-04
Author: B.A. Robinson

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